Orioles' Gunnar Henderson Nailed By Pitch As Yankees Seek Revenge For Aaron Judge Injury
Things got intense during Wednesday's AL East showdown between the New York Yankees and Baltimore Orioles.
The series is on a hot streak of headlines, namely the news on Tuesday that Yankees captain Aaron Judge got drilled on the left hand by a fastball.
The X-rays on Judge's hand came back negative but a setback is still in play for the former AL MVP.
Judge and other Yankees players felt that Baltimore deliberately tested New York's batters, leading to the injury pitch.
BALTIMORE, MD - Jun 16: Baltimore Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson (2) reacts after striking out during the Philadelphia Phillies versus the Baltimore Orioles on June16, 2024 at Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore, MD. (Photo by Mark Goldman/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
BRONX, NY - JUNE 18: Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees reacts after being hit in the hand by a pitch from Albert Suárez #49 of the Baltimore Orioles(not pictured) during the third inning of the game against the Baltimore Orioles on June 18, 2024 at Yankee Stadium Bronx, New York. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 19: Victor González #47 of the New York Yankees pitches against the Baltimore Orioles during the sixth inning at Yankee Stadium on June 19, 2024 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
Well, New York responded in Wednesday's Game 2.
Yankees pitcher Victor Gonzalez faced Orioles slugger Gunnar Henderson in the seventh inning, down 4-1, and plunked Henderson with a 94-mph fastball.
There was no mystery about it; the plunking was a clear response to the pitch that hit Judge on Tuesday. Baltimore also plunked Gleyber Torres during a fifth-inning at-bat.
RELATED: Reporter Grilled For Ridiculous Post About Aaron Judge's Injury Exit: 'Karma'
Henderson swallowed the hit but was clearly shaken up.
Henderson stood back up and walked to first base.
Tensions were high after the third plunk of the series between the rivals. Both dugouts stood back amid the heat.
WATCH:
Yankee Stadium cheered Gonzalez for his retribution. The Orioles broadcast wasn't as enthused.
MASN announcer Kevin Brown wasn't as thrilled, piling on the Yankees for drilling Henderson: "Here’s what we can say, if the Yankees were thinking about doing something like this, down three [runs] in the seventh with the bases empty, is the time you might do it. And if they did do it, and if they did throw up and in intentionally to Gunnar Henderson, then frankly shame on them."
The Orioles escaped with the win on Wednesday, 7-6.
Aaron Judge was asked about the HBP that forced him out of Tuesday's game. The Bronx star was candid about his frustrations.
"Definitely pissed," Judge said about the pitch. "There was a couple balls up and in. It’s part of it. They like to throw in."
Follow along on X: @alejandroaveela
Send a message: alejandro.avila@outkick.com